While Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul stole the show, a blazing unbeaten 31 from allrounder Wiaan Mulder in the final overs proved crucial in setting up South Africa’s 98-run victory. Mulder’s late blitz pushed the Proteas’ total from a competitive score to a truly daunting one.
South Africa was well-placed heading into the death overs, but it was Mulder who provided the real impetus. Fresh off a record-breaking Test triple-century, he carried his form into the shorter format, hitting with power and precision to lift the final score to 8-296.
Those extra 20-30 runs he added were psychologically significant, meaning Australia had to score at nearly a run a ball from the outset. This pressure likely contributed to the poor shot selection seen during their dramatic mid-innings collapse against the spin of Maharaj (5-33).
In a game won by 98 runs, every run counts, but Mulder’s cameo was particularly impactful. It ensured that even with Mitch Marsh’s fighting 88, Australia was always chasing the game, a task that ultimately proved beyond them.